Saudi Arabia is stepping up its ambitions to become a global hub for data and artificial intelligence as part of its broader transformation under Saudi Vision 2030. The push gained further momentum after the Saudi Cabinet approved 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, reinforcing the Kingdom’s focus on accelerating AI development and adoption across sectors.

The initiative is led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, established in 2019 to oversee the implementation of the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence.

The strategy is built around six pillars: ambition, competencies, policies, investment, innovation, and ecosystem development. It aims to move the Kingdom from strategic planning to large-scale implementation, including the regulation of AI sectors and the expansion of advanced digital infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia’s progress has also been reflected in international benchmarks. The Kingdom ranked 14th globally in the 2025 Global AI Index and currently leads the Arab region in AI model development. Investment in emerging technologies has also increased significantly. Government spending rose by more than 56% in 2024, while AI-focused companies secured $9.1 billion in funding.

The country has also expanded its digital infrastructure. This includes the launch of the Shaheen III supercomputer and the Hexagon data center, described as the world’s largest government data facility with a capacity of 480 megawatts. In parallel, a National Data Lake has been developed to integrate data from more than 430 government systems.

Developing local talent remains a central component of the strategy. More than 11,000 specialists have been trained, while the SAMAI initiative has reached more than one million participants through programs focused on AI awareness and skills development.

At the international level, Saudi Arabia has expanded its engagement in the global AI ecosystem. The Kingdom became the first Arab country to join the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence and hosts the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics in Riyadh, a UNESCO-backed institution focused on responsible AI governance.

Officials say these initiatives form part of a broader effort to promote the ethical use of artificial intelligence, support economic diversification, and position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global digital economy.